ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)  on Tuesday notified that  the Senate elections will be held through secret ballot as provided under article 226 of the constitution. The decision of the ECP comes after failure of the political parties to bring amendment in the constitution to check horse trading.

The ECP  has directed the returning officers for the polls to ensure that the secrecy of the ballot is not violated by the voters.

It has imposed ban upon the members of the national assembly and the provincial assemblies for taking with them mobile phone or any other electronic device through which picture can be taken.

The election commission has also notified that the candidates can withdraw from elections by 12.00 noon tomorrow.

Polling for the Senate elections will be held at the parliament house Islamabad and the four provincial assemblies on Thursday. INP